(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)
By Matt Bishop
Havant & Waterlooville manager Lee Bradbury wants his team to produce another historic FA Cup run as they prepare to host Merthyr Town tomorrow.
This season is the 10th anniversary of the National League South side's historic cup run that ended in defeat against Liverpool at Anfield.
It was an amazing occasion, and one that remains a huge part of Havant's recent history, and Bradbury has spoken of his desire to experience a similar run.
Speaking to The Portsmouth News, the former Bournemouth man said: “The club has always prided itself on good cup runs.
“It is still very proud of what was achieved 10 years ago and it holds a special place in Hawks hearts.
“It would be great to rekindle some of that love the club has for the competition.
“A good cup run helps breed confidence and can also provide a good financial bonus.”
More recently than the trip to Anfield, Havant enjoyed a lively night in the FA Cup when they hosted Preston in 2014, and although they lost, the atmosphere around the stadium showed the love fans still have for the FA Cup.
To couple this season's impressive start to life back in National League South with a cup run would be great for the club, but Bradbury is refusing to get carried away.
He said: “Merthy will be coming to try and cause an upset.
“They are traditionally a big club and have some good players.
“We certainly won't be taking them lightly. The last thing we want is for them to take us back to their place to play on a plastic pitch in a midweek replay.
“We will be going all out to win at the first time of asking.”